Mashed potatoes are one of the easiest dishes to make, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be perfect the first time around. If you still haven’t mastered your mashed potato making technique, avoiding these common mistakes is a good place to start.
Boiling Water
If you’re boiling your potatoes in the water that’s already hot, you’re doing it wrong. Many people do this in the hope it will speed up the process, but the insides of your potatoes may end up undercooked this way.
Potato Pick
Another common mistake people make is using just any potatoes they find. When it comes to mashed potatoes, you should opt for starchy varieties to ensure the fluffy texture this dish is best known for.
Skipping Salt
If you’re not salting your water before boiling your potatoes, now’s the time to start. Potatoes absorb both water and salt, and this is the perfect opportunity to season them and avoid the bland taste.
Using Cold Ingredients
Butter, cream, and milk are usually the main ingredients of mashed potatoes, but you should give them some time to warm up. If you stir them with your potatoes while they’re still cold, they won’t mix so well.
